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Illinois Department of Transportation
Bureau of Land Acquisition Outdoor Advertising
2300 South Dirksen Parkway, Room 210
Springfield, IL 62764
Application
Please review and familiarize yourself with the Rules and Guidelines for Outdoor Advertising before submitting an application.
There are a variety of applications to accommodate several circumstances, please navigate to the Application tab to determine the appropriate permit application along with accompanying fee.
Please note: Normal processing time for permit applications is four weeks from date of submittal. Once the review is complete you will be notified in writing if the review found that further information is needed or the application is approved or denied.
Applications cannot be expedited and are processed as they are received. To check on the status of a permit application after the normal processing time, please email DOT.Billboards@Illinois.gov and a department representative will respond.
This application is used to obtain a permit to erect an off premises sign along a controlled primary Non-Interstate/Expressway route. Signs along a controlled primary highway within the state of Illinois are required to obtain permits from IDOT prior to being erected, when the advertised content is not located on the property where the sign is to be placed. Off Premises signs along Primary Highways are only allowed within areas that are zoned commercial or industrial or in unzoned areas that meet the Business Area criteria.
Fee Schedule
A non-refundable application fee by check or money order payable to the Illinois State Treasurer shall be submitted. Any application received without the correct fee will be returned and not processed.
- For signs of less than 150 square feet*, the fee shall be $50.
- For signs of at least 150 but less than 300 square feet*, the fee shall be $100.
- For signs of 300 or more square feet*, the fee shall be $200.
*The square feet shall be measured by the smallest square, rectangle, triangle, circle, or combination that will encompass the entire display area. If one side of the sign provides for more display area than another, the measurements will be made on the larger side.
Requirements
Please read the Rules for Primary Highways to familiarize yourself with regulations before submitting an application.
Application:Business Area Sign-Primary Highway (LA9001)
Instructions and a checklist are included on the required application which is to be submitted to the address in the contact card at the bottom of the page with original signatures.
This application is used to obtain a permit to erect an off premises sign along a controlled Interstate/Expressway route. Signs along a controlled interstate highway within the state of Illinois are required to obtain permits from the IDOT prior to being erected, when the advertised content is not located on the property where the sign is to be placed. Per Public Act 098-0056 the following signs are not required to be issued a permit: (1) On-Premise: Interstate Highway (2) For Sale Or Lease Sign: Interstate Highways, and (3) Lodging, Food, Outdoor Recreation Or Automotive Service Sign: Interstate Highway.
Fee Schedule
- For signs of less than 150 square feet*, the fee shall be $50.
- For signs of at least 150 but less than 300 square feet*, the fee shall be $100.
- For signs of 300 or more square feet*, the fee shall be $200.
*The square feet shall be measured by the smallest square, rectangle, triangle, circle, or combination that will encompass the entire display area. If one side of the sign provides for more display area than another, the measurements will be made on the larger side.
Requirements
Please read the Rules for Interstate Highways to familiarize yourself with regulations before submitting an application.
Application: Business Area Sign-Interstate Highway (LA9002)
Instructions and a checklist are included on the required application which is to be submitted to the address in the contact card at the bottom of the page with original signatures.
This application is used to notify IDOT that a directional or official sign will be erected. Signs in this category include: service clubs, non-profit groups, welcome to city signs, churches, etc. Signs meeting the below definitions and rules are not required to obtain a permit but are required to notify the department using the form below.
Fee Schedule
No Fee
Requirements
Please read the Rules for Directional or Official Sign to familiarize yourself with regulations before submitting an application.
Application: Directional Sign, Official Sign, or Official Notice (LA9008)
Instructions and a checklist are included on the required application which is to be submitted to the address in the contact card at the bottom of the page with original signatures.
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